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Gas Meter Types

There are two main types of gas meter, but both offer the same tariffs. Your particular type of gas meter will be determined by the pressure available and the regulator on the meter at the property. There are two main types of gas meter, imperial and metric.

Gas Imperial meter

The imperial meter is being phased out of Australian homes, though it does still exist. This meter type can be recognised by its dial display, which looks like a series of clock faces. Gas usage is recorded in cubic feet, which must then be converted into cubic meters.

Gas Metric meter

This is the most widely used type of meter in Australia. Rather than dials, usage is represented by a line of numbers. Gas usage is recorded in cubic meters.

If your meter has ‘cubic metres’ or ‘M³’ displayed then it is a metric meter; if it says ‘cubic feet’ then it is an imperial meter. Gas consumption is typically represented on your bill in units called megajoules (MJ).

As with an electricity meter, it is your responsibility to ensure that your meter is safely accessible to a meter reader. If a meter reader is unable to access your meter, you may receive an estimated gas bill, which can lead to being under- or over-charged on your gas consumption. If you are undercharged because the meter reader wasn’t able to get to the meter, you are liable for paying back those charges.

If your meter is poorly located, contact your energy distributor to discuss having it moved to a more convenient location. You should also contact your distributor if you suspect there is a problem with the meter. The meter is the property of the energy distributor, not the homeowner.